When Is Jesus Coming?Thoughts About 2006 By Jim BramlettJim Bramlett Jun 24, 2006 Dear friends: It is mind-boggling to think that our generation alone is uniquely standing on the precipice of time and where no generation has ever stood. We are living in the days spoken of by the ancient prophets. These prophets spoke of the Israelites being gathered back into their own land, in passages such as Ezekiel 37:21, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land." This began in 1948. The "dry bones" of Ezekiel 37 have come alive. As also prophesied, we are seeing almost the whole the world turn against Israel. "On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations" (Zechariah 12:3). The catalyst for this is oil, or petro-dollars, causing the world to sell out tiny, democratic Israel to despotic Muslim nations for purposes of greed. For these and many other reasons, is it any wonder that millions believe the return of Christ is so near? Polls show that even non-believers think the world is at such a point. This is the most exciting time in all history to be alive! But when is He coming? I do not know when He is coming, and in the past 10 or more years I have seen numerous speculations, probably dozens, some actually brilliant, trying to pinpoint the time. Some were based on Scripture, some on claimed supernatural revelation, and some on Bible codes. Many seemed persuasive. But so far, all such speculations have failed. But wait! That does not necessarily mean no one will ever know. Keep reading.... Just the question -- when? -- causes some Christians to cringe, protest, or even scoff! They quickly point out that Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man" (Matthew 24:36 KJV). Some believers criticize other believers who are seeking God's clues, either from the Scriptures or by personal revelation. It is interesting that it was apparently by personal revelation, not Scripture, that many people knew the exact day of Elijah's rapture (2 Kings 2)! Are there types in the Old Testament? Do God's principles repeat themselves? The doubters may mention Paul's words that the day of the Lord will come like "a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2). But many believers have so misunderstood these verses that they are oblivious to the times, not watching for the Lord as He commanded, and are often absorbed by the cares of this world and their own agendas. As to Matthew 24:36, some scholars point out that Jesus' words here are in the present tense, addressed to His hearers at the time, and not to those alive at the end of the age when Daniel's vision would be unsealed (Daniel 12:9). This would be similar to Matthew 16:20: "Then he warned His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ." As evidence, many other Scriptures reveal to us that God will reveal at least the approximately time. (Even if the "day and hour" restriction is literally valid today, it may be because the Earth is in 24 time zones and always in two different days.) Jesus also said, "but my Father only" knows, which pins the statement to His hearers at the time, when Jesus was still on the earth, because surely there are now no secrets in the Trinity between the Father and the glorified Son, who are truly One after being separated only once in all eternity for the purpose of the atonement. Also, in context, He seems to be speaking of heaven and earth passing away (v. 35), not other end-time events. In addition, Jesus said, "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee" (Revelation 3:3). He is obviously saying that to the one who watches, He will not come as a thief and that person will know the hour! (Hour -- Greek hora -- Strong's 5610; various meanings, including, "any definite time, point of time, moment." GOD'S PROMISES OF REVELATION1. It is clear that Jesus will not come as a "thief in the night" for watchful believers, because in the very same passage, verse 4, Paul tells us, "But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." If we are trusting in Christ and looking for His coming, Paul said that even the very day does not have to surprise us!2. Also, Jesus exhorted, "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief" (Revelation 3:3, KJV), obviously saying He will come as a thief only to those not watching! It is obvious that for those watching, He will NOT come as a thief. 3. Jesus rebuked those who did not understand the signs of the times in His day: "O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky, but can ye not discern the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:3). 4. Of the end of the age, Jesus said, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh"(Luke 21:2. He said we would know when it is near! 5. God said, "Surely the sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing it to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7, NIV). God said "nothing," and He did not exclude Christ's return. I take Him at His word. 6. God not only knows the end from the beginning, He tells us that He makes it known! "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come." (Isaiah 46:10). He has already made it known! I personally believe it has been hidden in His Word all along, to be unlocked in His timing. There is nothing wrong with seeking! No doubt, it pleases God. 7. God said, "I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee" (Isaiah 48:5, KJV). 8. Jesus said the Holy Spirit "will teach you all things" (John 14:26). He said "all things." Did Jesus make a mistake, forgetting to exclude when He will return? I don't think so. 9. Friends confide in one another. Abraham was called God's "friend" (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). "And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do" (Genesis 18:17). Now, because of Jesus' atonement, we are called friends of God: "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends" (Jesus, John 15:15). 10. Ecclesiastes 1:9 says "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun" (NIV). Many Bible students believe that ancient events and dating in the Bible are shadows and clues that foretell the coming of the Lord, even the timing. An example is the six days of creation, seen as 6,000 years of man's dominion over the earth, before the return of the Lord and the seventh, or Sabbath Millennium of peace, with Christ ruling in Jerusalem. According to scholars, we are now at the end of 6,000 years since Adam. There are other such passages. God clearly promised that we would know at least approximately when Christ will return, and even "the day" will not surprise us, as the Holy Spirit reveals through Paul! In addition, there is ample precedent for God revealing specific times in advance. 1. He gave Noah advance notice of when the flood would be (Genesis 6,7). 2. He told Abraham how long the Israelites would be in Egypt (Genesis 15:13). 3. As mentioned, He revealed to many the very day of Elijah's rapture (2 Kings 2). 4. He told Jeremiah how long the Babylonian exile would be (Jeremiah 29:10). 5. He told Daniel exactly when Messiah would come the first time (Daniel 9:25-26). 6. Some, including the brilliant Sir Isaac Newton, believe this same passage holds the key to the timing of His return. 7. There is evidence that the Bible reveals the exact number of years of "the times of the Gentiles" and the exact span of time to Israel's rebirth in 1948 and the recapture of Jerusalem in 1967. Obviously, leaving us clueless now would violate God's own established pattern as revealed in His Word! Also obviously, we are not left clueless. There are many signs. Bottom line: Let us remain watchful and ready, and be found doing the Master's work. He could come today. Jim ============================= Jim Bramlett Jun 25, 2006 Dear friends: My message yesterday was titled, "When Is Jesus Coming?" I said I did not know, but also said the Bible does not say "No one will ever know," and I gave many Scriptures as evidence. I also mentioned that over past years I have seen many persuasive, sometimes brilliant, time lines purporting to pinpoint the date or approximate date of the Lord's return, and all have been wrong. In my duty as a reporter (not a prophet), I must tell you one of the latest I have seen. It is Daniel W. Matson's book, Signs of the End, which suggests a Rosh-Hashanah 2006 (September 22-23) rapture. See http://www.jesus2006.org/. It is intriguing that with amazing timing, within just an hour or so after I sent the message yesterday, this book and time line came to my attention 2-3 different ways. Matson builds on the fascinating, three-time, 14,000-day historical calculations in Jewish history that pointed to Rosh-Hashanah 2005, last year. No doubt, that date did appear very significant. For explanation, see http://www.rapture2005.com/. Matson believes that began a final-year countdown to 2006. His Web site contains some fascinating charts that show the amazing 2,520-year periods in Jewish history and how they converge on this generation, of which I was aware and have always been fascinated. But most of his other information is in his book. That does not bother me because one can usually get much more in a book than on a Web site, plus it costs money to print a book and there is nothing wrong with remuneration. Matson also points to November 8, 2006 as a significant date. "What is fascinating to me personally is that on November 8, 2006 we arrive at exactly 40 Jewish years or 14400 days since the recapture of Jerusalem in June 1967. November 8, 2006 in the Jewish calendar is Cheshvan 17. Cheshvan 17 2006, exactly 40 Jewish years or 14400 days since the recapture of Jerusalem by the Jews on June 7, 1967 is the day the Jews believe Noah entered the Ark and the Flood began." Because Jesus said the rapture will be "as in the days of Noah," according to Matthew 24:37, I have always felt that Cheshvan 17 some year might be the rapture date. Prophecy scholar Marilyn Agee also says the above two 2006 dates are possibilities. She adds, "Be ready, the sands of time seem to be dwindling to very few." The sands of time may be dwindling, but my house is on a Rock -- the Lord Jesus Christ. I trust yours is too! Jim =============================== Jim Bramlett Jun 26, 2006 Dear friends: Following my message the other day, "When is Jesus coming?" a reader wrote: "According to a PBS special last week, Sir Isaac Newton calculated the end to be the year 2012. The show said he made a calendar and it ended with 2012." I have searched and searched and cannot find any confirmation of that, although many sites show 2012 as the end of the Mayan calendar. I have Newton's book on Daniel and am somewhat aware of his writings on prophecy, but had never seen that date. In fact, to my recollection, he pointed to a much later date. Further "googling" on the subject repeatedly pointed to Newton referring to the year AD 2060. But to my surprise, in the process of research, I discovered a site which claims that Newton pointed to the year 2006! Below is an excerpt. The full article is at http://www.triumphpro.com/2006,_bible_codes,_newton.htm. I cannot endorse the Web site in general because it appears to be a combination of Anglo-Israelism, anti-Trinitarianism, sabbatarianism, and Judaism, but that does not necessarily mean the research about Isaac Newton is in error. As they say, "Swallow the fish and spit out the bones." Or better, "Prove all things and hold fast to that which is good." I am especially interested in this because I so admire Sir Isaac Newton, the father of modern science, and the father of the industrial revolution, one of the greatest intellects of all history, and an avid Bible student. Excerpt: Experts have been pouring over Sir Isaac Newton's secret writings, suppressed for centuries, and have discovered his stunning prophecies for the present century, and the year 2006 in particular. Dr. Ephraim Springstein asserts, "Newton's writings on science and mathematics are well known, but his religious research is less well-known. But his analysis of scripture was every bit as deep and revolutionary as his work creating modern physics and calculus. He was truly the genius of his time" ("Famed scientist Isaac Newton's stunning prophecy," by Graham Beaton, Sun, February 6, 2006). (Bramlett note: I know nothing about the credibility of the Sun newspaper. I believe it is a UK tabloid , but sometimes tabloid articles are accurate, except for the Weekly World News which notoriously invents sensational stories.) Newton dedicated 50 years of his life to analyzing works of Bible prophecies. He deemed his religious discoveries too controversial for public release during his own lifetime. His theological studies remained a secret until recently, when scholars discovered them in the collection of the Jewish National Library in Jerusalem. Says Springstein, "We have known of these manuscripts for at least three years. We knew they described events of the End Times, beginning with massive plagues and fires, then a final battle between the armies of good and evil followed by the 1,000-year reign of the Prince of Peace" (ibid.). Springstein continues, "But it was only within the past MONTH that we understood Newton's prophecy was not about a distant future date. Using the data in the Books of Daniel and Revelation, he had precisely calculated the year of ARMAGEDDON – AND IT IS DUE TO TAKE PLACE IN 2006!" Newton was not trying to "set dates." He declared in a manuscript which pinpointed the exact date of 2006 A.D., "I mention this period not to assert it, but only to shew [show] that there is little reason to expect it earlier, and thereby put a stop to the rash of Interpreters who are frequently assigning the time of the end." Writes Beaton in the Sun, "Because his religious research conflicted with the official view of the Catholic Church and the Church of England, Newton ran the risk of being declared a heretic – a grave criminal offense that merited execution in those days. As a result, Springstein explains, he kept his manuscripts hidden and wrote many of his conclusions in SCIENTIFIC OR NUMERICAL CODES." Dr. Springstein declares, "Previous researchers pinpointed Newton's date of the end as taking place either in 2060 or 2327. We've found new manuscripts containing his equations and a KEY to deciphering his notation. "Once we followed Newton's research every step of the way, we reached the same TERRIFYING CONCLUSION. The PROCESS by which the world will come to an END BEGINS NOW, IN THE YEAR 2006." Note carefully. Newton did NOT predict that Armageddon would be FOUGHT in 2006 – but rather that the PROCESS would begin this very year – 2006! And that from that year, it would not be long till the coming of the Messiah! (Emphasis supplied.) The Bible codes point to the year 2006 as being very significant. Sir Isaac Newton's research also points to the year 2006 as being the beginning of the countdown to "Armageddon." The Jewish Jubilee cycles point to the year 2012 as being a Jubilee Year (counted from the inheritance of Canaan in the days of Joshua), and the Messiah is prophesied to return on a Jubilee Year (compare Acts 3:19-21; Lev.25:8-11; read our article "Will the Messiah Return on a Jubilee Year?"). The ninth chapter of Daniel tells us of a final "week of years" which will occur leading up to the coming of the Messiah (Dan.9:24-26) – a seven year period of great troubles (Dan.12:1). If 2012 is the year of the return, then 2006 would be the first of the final seven years preceding Messiah's grand entrance! (Emphasis supplied.) And Mayan chronology points to the year of 2012 as being the end of a "world age" and beginning of a new age! End of excerpt. If any UK reader can confirm or deny the Sun newspaper's credibility, please let me know. Jim ================================= Bonnie Gaunt wrote me and shared: "Jesus said, 'As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the son of man.' The days of Noah would end when Noah died. Noah died 2006 years from the date of the sin of Adam. From the sin of Adam to the flood was 1656 years. Noah lived 950 years, and the flood came when he was 600. So subtract 600 from 950 and it leaves 350 years. Thus, add 350 to 1656 and we get 2006." ================================= The years 2000 and 2006 Jim Bramlett Jun 27, 2006 Dear friends: The link I shared yesterday about Isaac Newton and the year 2006 reminded me of the 1997 book by Michael Drosnin, The Bible Code. I believe the Bible codes are from God, but experience has shown that they are not reliable as predictors, at least at this stage of our understanding. Nevertheless, it is interesting that Drosnin?s book clearly points to the year 2006. Written in 1997, Drosnin says, ?I checked every year in the next hundred years. Only two years, 2000 and 2006, were clearly encoded with ?World War?? At first I thought, "World war in 2000? It didn't happen. So much for Drosnin." But then I realized it did! The Palestinian Intifada started on September 29, 2000. That could be considered the real beginning of the present world war on terrorism. Within a year, the most horrendous attack ever on American soil occurred, on September 11, 2001. Further evidence: Rabbis in Israel concluded that the 2000 Intifida began "the time of Jacob's trouble," referred to in Jeremiah 30:7. The declaration was reportedly signed by 27 of the leading Orthodox and Chassidic sages. Previously I reported that in 1958-1959, the grandmother of a Dr. James Brooks told him that biblical judgment would begin sometime after the year 2000. She told him that a sign that judgment was beginning would be when a large building in New York City was destroyed by people from a Muslim country, which happened on 9-11. On July 25, 2001, I reported that Hebrew archeologist and researcher Vendyl Jones wrote: "This is the Jewish year 5761 or CE 2000-2001. On Rosh Hashanah, September 27-28, the present Amalek crisis began. That very date is the beginning of the Shmittah (Sabbatical) year. This is the seventh Shmittah (Sabbatical) year since the founding of the State of Israel in 1948." By Amalek crisis, he means Intifada, or uprising of the sons of Amalek. In 2002, I reported the following from Bible teacher Billye Brim: "When I went to my Jewish source in Israel, he reminded me again that September 11, 1999 was "the year everything changed? and the beginning of the judgment of the nations." The modern-day Bible-believing church age began when Martin Luther broke away from the Catholic church and nailed his biblical thesis to the church door. This was on October 31, 1517. In Daniel we read about a 483-year period in Jewish history before the 1st coming of Christ. Could God also have given a similar 483-year period to the Church before the final countdown? If you count 483 years from A.D. 1517, you arrive in the year 2000, the time frame we are discussing. CONCLUSION. Drosnin's book points to the years 2000 and 2006 for world wars, and it appears he was correct about 2000. Will he be correct about 2006? Remember, the link yesterday said Sir Isaac Newton?s research points to the year 2006 as only being the beginning of the countdown to Armageddon, not necessarily Armageddon. With the nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea, and the near explosion between Israel, Hamas and the PLO, all blossoming in 2006, it just may be true. Jim
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